Background Casting

The Background Casting Department searches for and recommends appropriate background performers or extras, special skills background performers and stand ins to the Director and Producer to cast in a production.

Recommended Skills for working in the Background Casting Department:

  • Organized, calm under pressure and able to solve problems

  • Knowledge of the media production industry

  • Knowledge of acting and screenwriting

  • Ability to work closely with actors

  • Strong communications skills

  • Ability to manage and work with a team

A combination of demonstrated skills such as photography, social media, office administration, managing open calls and knowledge of the ACTRA Agreements and Employment Standards Act and Regulations.

+ Background Casting Director

The Background Casting Director searches for and recommends paid background and stand-in performers, extras, photo doubles and body doubles to the production. They work with other departments to gather information for the performer.

+ Background Casting Assistant

The Background Casting Assistant assist the Background Casting Director. Tasks include confirming the availability of performers, communicating information to performers for the shoot day, communicating with other departments, answering phone calls and emails, maintaining files and lists, preparing information for meetings as well as attending open calls and look-sees. They might also be responsible for training and supervising Background Casting Crew.

+ Background Casting Crew

The Background Casting Crew assists in a variety of administrative tasks such as filing and answering the phone, as assigned by the Background Casting Director and Background Casting Assistant.

 

Minimum Qualifications for the Background Casting Department:

Non-Union Recommendations

For further information:

 

Questions?

Fill out On Screen Manitoba’s Workforce Development Intake Form to schedule a consultation with the Workforce Development Liaison.